A network of shelter and support provided by Gravesham Borough Council and its partners is ready to help rough sleepers through the winter.
The council works closely with organisations such as Gravesham Sanctuary and Gravesend Methodist Church to support rough sleepers throughout the year, but their work is particularly important through the cold winter months.
Cllr Jenny Wallace, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: “We do all we can to ensure nobody has to sleep on the streets of our Borough and all rough sleepers known to us have been offered accommodation. Our teams continue to monitor the streets for any newcomers, who will also be offered a safe place to stay.
“There are many and often complex reasons why people find themselves on the streets and in some instances, people prefer not to accept our offers of accommodation. In those cases, we don’t just abandon them. Our outreach workers keep a close eye on them and continue to offer other forms of help and support.”
Anyone who sees someone sleeping rough should report it via https://www.streetlink.org.uk/ or by emailing roughsleeping@gravesham.gov.uk.
Support available through the winter includes Gravesham Sanctuary which provides hot food and drink, fresh clothing, showers, a laundry service and general help and advice, as well as winter accommodation; winter shelter accommodation; and Gravesend Methodist Church Community Centre’s morning hub, which provides hot breakfasts and a mini foodbank, as well as showers and laundry.
Cllr Wallace added: “I know it is always worrying to see people living on the streets, but I can assure local people that we are working together with our valued partners to ensure everyone has a warm and safe winter.”